Alabama Awards $144 Million to Improve Rural Healthcare

More money is on the way to improve healthcare in rural Alabama, with several major investments directly impacting West Alabama.

Governor Kay Ivey announced 138 grants totaling more than $144 million through the Alabama Rural Health Transformation Program. The projects will reach rural communities in every Alabama county, focusing on healthcare access, workforce shortages, mental health, technology and rural medical services.

For West Alabama, one of the biggest awards is $3 million to DCH Health System to recruit and retain two interventional cardiologists, a heart rhythm specialist and two advanced practice providers. The project will strengthen cardiovascular care across Tuscaloosa and several surrounding counties.

DCH will also receive $2 million to establish a non-emergency medical transportation program serving rural West Alabama communities.

Hale County Hospital is receiving $2.41 million to upgrade equipment and infrastructure, with a focus on emergency and maternal care, diagnostic services and essential hospital operations.

Get our free mobile app

The University of Alabama will receive $2.45 million to create a support hub helping rural healthcare providers with referrals, technology and cybersecurity across 12 counties, including Tuscaloosa, Hale, Greene and Pickens. UA also received $1.46 million for a statewide program connecting services for brain injuries, mental health and substance use.

Other funding will expand pediatric care in Sumter County, school-based mental health services across rural communities and technology used by emergency medical providers serving Tuscaloosa County.

Ivey said the goal is to create long-term changes that ensure where someone lives does not prevent them from receiving quality healthcare.

The initial grants cover five major areas: rural health, healthcare workforce development, mental health, rural health practices, and electronic health records, IT and cybersecurity. Additional grants are expected to be announced later.